Dale Pederson

Dale Pederson 1946-2023  Age 77

Dale passed away suddenly on July 27, 2023.  Uncle Dale was born in Milwaukee on September 12,1946.  Dale grew up on a small farm on the edge of Waupaca, and graduated from Waupaca High School.  Shortly thereafter, Dale enlisted in the Air Force in 1966, serving as a munitions specialist, including one tour overseas in Okinawa, Japan.  Dale earned the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. After an honorable discharge Dale headed back to Wisconsin. Dale didn’t talk about his time in the service, only to say he saw “plenty.” Dale settled in Appleton and worked at Brillion Iron Works for his entire career. 

Uncle Dale was a Costco man. He was most comfortable in a pair of black jeans, a clean t-shirt and a newsboy lid.   A son of Depression era parents, he was a cash buyer, saved way too much, and was always on the lookout for a good sale. Dale regularly stopped in at his sister Shirley’s house. Usually Dale popped over to drop off  magazines or a pound of grapes, or to have a glass of wine. Any color would do.  He loved taking long walks with his dog Rusty and was a friend to all animals. A sophisticate in his own right,  Dale was an avid reader and a lifelong learner. He kept current by reading books and magazines which varied from science to politics, from cars to food. We think Dale liked sharing the food magazines more than using the recipes that fascinated him, because we discovered some of his cookware holding a decade’s worth of pocket change.  Dale was also a loyal Packer fan and could tell you who had a good game, or otherwise.

Dale never missed an opportunity to vote in local or national elections. He was passionate about equal rights and civil rights. Dale gave regularly to Mercy Ships, Southern Poverty Law Center, Salvation Army and Friends of the Appleton Public Library. Though he was a quiet man, Dale spoke his mind and his heart with his checkbook.  Dale had an incredibly generous spirit, which we will miss.

Dale is predeceased by parents Clarence and Helen (Antonaitis) Pederson, brother Errol (Wanda) Pederson, and sister, Shirley (George) Weaver. Dale is survived by one nephew, William, and two nieces, Cheryl and Chris, and California cousins, Carolyn and Barbara.   The family would like to thank Dale’s neighbors, friends Paul and Anita Rosenthal, and friends Bob and Sue Webb.  

There will be a private family service at a later date. The family encourages anyone who wishes to make a donation in honor of Dale’s life to send funds to any of his favorite charities listed above.